Reporter Alison Parker & co-worker gunned down live on air in Virginia

By Iain Alexander / 26 August 2015

A former employee of WDBJ7 TV has shot and killed a reporter and photograher while they were filming a news story live on air.

24-year-old Alison Parker and her co-worker Adam Ward were shooting a live TV report in Virginia when the lone gunman, reported to be Vester Lee Flanagan, a disgruntled employee, fired several rounds at them.

Alison Parker who was a reporter for WDBJ7's Mornin' Show was killed in the attack along with Adam Ward, a graduate of Virginia Tech.

According to WDBJ7, the man committed suicide shortly after the attack in Faquier County. The incident occurred at Bridgewater Plaza according to the County Sheriff's Office while reports about a pursuit have been denied.

CNN reports that when Flanagan was confronted by law enforcement on interstate 66 when he shot himself although this is unclear. A video has also been released of the moment the photographer was shot, showing graphic scenes and screams as the attack took place.

Messages of support have flooded reporter Alison Parker's Facebook page while an investigation of the attack continues, and provides a stark reminder of how gun violence has impacted America.